advanced reading copy of ADOPTING GRACE
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for both our daughters and our sons as they move toward work-life balance and choices. I hope that their choices will be broader and approached with greater imagination and the careful consideration of both partners’ wishes and dreams, whatever they may be. I feel optimism that each will have voice and choice in the path forward for their individual families. My husband’s company is quite mindful that the time and energy required of its employees has an impact on the children and spouses in each family story. They often express gratitude for sacrifices made. On the 2015 Saturday night when I was asked to share the spotlight, I received beautiful flowers with this note attached, “Behind every good man is a great woman. Thank you.” From their perspective, I am certainly behind the scenes. There isn’t much immediate gratification nor glory in my chosen profession. And I truly appreciate the acknowledgement that his career path has been a team effort. But in this next season of life, I hope that at its close, Mark and I can write this to each other: “Alongside every good partner is another.” That is our desire for this next phase as we move toward the owning of our choices as well as doing the hard work needed for healthy intimate relationships. It is a relief and a joy to more fully share in the day to day parenting of our daughters. Owning my part in our parenting history, working to have a voice, and pushing for more equitable parenting roles have led to a more satisfying and healthy family life. **** ADOPTING GRACE ADVANCED READING COPY 79